JP7404483B2 - connector assembly - Google Patents

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/472,945, filed March 17, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates to the field of input/output (IO) connectors, and more particularly to IO connectors suitable for use in high data rate applications.

Input/output (IO) connectors can be designed for a variety of systems including board-to-board systems, wire-to-wire systems, and wire-to-board systems. A wire-to-board system includes a free-end connector attached to a wire and a fixed-end connector attached to a board. There is a wide range of suitable designs for each type of system, depending on its requirements and the environment in which the connector is intended to be used.

In applications where data rates are high and space is limited, a number of competing requirements make connector design more difficult. High data rates (25 Gbps or higher) typically use differentially coupled signal pairs to help provide greater resistance to spurious signals, and preferably to This has sufficient spacing to avoid creating unintended signal modes with differentially coupled signal pairs. At the connector interface, a ground terminal can be added to form a return path and provide shielding between the differential pairs. However, if space is an issue, it is desirable to reduce the pitch of the connector and move all terminals closer together (which tends to increase crosstalk). Many individuals will appreciate the value of wire-to-board connector designs that allow for high performance while taking up limited space.

A wire-to-board system is disclosed that can be provided in a compact configuration that supports high data rates. The fixed end connector includes an opening with a plurality of terminals disposed within the opening. The terminal includes a tail configured to be connected to a circuit board and, in one configuration, can be soldered to the circuit board. The free end connector includes a housing that supports the twinax cable and includes a frame that supports the terminals on one side. Conductors from the twinax cable can pass through the frame and be terminated into conductor openings in the terminals. A shield cover can be used to provide shielding for differentially coupled signal pairs.

In one aspect of the wire-to-board system described above, there is a connector assembly that includes a free end connector. The free end connector has a twinax cable, a connector housing, a frame, and a terminal set.

The twinax cable includes a first conductor and a second conductor spaced apart from each other and surrounded by an insulating material, and includes a drain wire and an outer cover. The first conductor, second conductor, and drain wire each have an exposed distal end extending from the insulating material and the outer cover. The connector housing supports the twinax cable.

A frame is positioned within the connector housing and has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The frame includes a plurality of frame openings extending from a first side to a second side.

A terminal set is supported on the second side of the frame. The terminal set includes a first signal terminal, a second signal terminal, and a ground plate. The ground plate has a horseshoe shape and provides ground terminals on both sides of the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal. A first conductor extends through a first of the plurality of frame openings and is connected to the first signal terminal. A second conductor extends through a second of the plurality of frame openings and is connected to the second signal terminal. A drain wire extends through a third of the plurality of frame openings and is connected to the ground plate.

In the above embodiments, the plurality of frame openings can be tapered to facilitate movement of the distal ends of the conductors and drain wires from the first side of the frame to the second side during insertion. do.

Additionally, the ground plate, the first signal terminal, and the second signal terminal can have conductor openings aligned with the tapered openings. The first conductor can be connected to the first signal terminal at the conductor opening, the second conductor can be connected to the second signal terminal at the conductor opening, and the drain wire can be connected to the first signal terminal at the conductor opening. It can be connected to the ground plate at the end. The connections can be made by welding, including soldering, connecting the first conductor to the first signal terminal at the conductor opening and the second conductor to the second signal terminal at the conductor opening.

In addition, the free end connector can include a shield cover disposed over the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal and connected to the ground plane. The shield cover has a first adjustment opening aligned with the conductor opening in the first signal terminal and a second adjustment opening aligned with the conductor opening in the second signal terminal. can be included.

In some embodiments, there is a connector system that includes a free end connector and a fixed end connector. The free end connector has a connector housing and the fixed end connector has a plug housing. The connector housing and fixed end connector are configured to be connected together. The connector housing and the plug housing can be coupled by the interaction of a leaf spring and a locking ledge. In these embodiments, the connector housing can include a leaf spring that mates with a locking ledge on the plug housing. Additionally, the plug housing can further include block guides to provide at least one block guide on each side of the locking shelf. Additionally, the leaf spring can be removed from the connector housing such that the leaf spring is guided by the block guide to prevent the terminal set from coming into contact with the plug housing during connection of the free end connector to the fixed end connector. It can extend further in the longitudinal direction than a terminal set.

In some of the above embodiments, the fixed end connector further includes a plug wafer, a ground lead frame, and a pair of signal leads. A plug wafer is disposed within the plug housing and a ground lead frame is carried on the plug wafer. The ground lead frame has a horseshoe shape. A pair of signal leads are positioned within a ground lead frame such that a ground lead is present on either side of the pair of signal leads. The ground lead frame is in electrical contact with the ground terminal. Further, one of the signal leads is in contact with the first signal terminal, and the other signal lead is in contact with the second signal terminal.

In some embodiments, a first signal lead of the pair of signal leads has a PCB contacting end and a straight beam extending perpendicular to the PCB contacting end. The straight beam has a single cantilever forming a bend such that the second end extends at an angle from the straight beam. The first signal terminal is a straight beam having a first end, a second end, and a single cantilever, the second end being at an angle from the straight beam. and the first end is in line with the linear beam. In such embodiments, when the plug housing and the connector housing are connected, the first signal lead contacts the first signal terminal at the contact point such that the primary stub length and the secondary stub length are approximately equal in length. It becomes Satoshi.

In another aspect, a method of manufacturing a connector assembly is provided, the method comprising providing a twinax cable including a first conductor and a second conductor surrounded by an insulating material and including a drain wire. covering the cable so that the distal end of the first conductor, the distal end of the second conductor, and the distal end of the drain wire are exposed; and the distal end of the first conductor is exposed. , a distal end of a second conductor is inserted through a first opening in a frame in the connector housing, a distal end of a second conductor is inserted through a second opening in the frame, and a distal end of a drain wire is inserted through a first opening in a frame in the connector housing. the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening, each distal end extending from the first side of the frame to the second side during insertion. tapered to facilitate movement of each distal end to the side. and the method includes: thereafter inserting a distal end of the first conductor through a first conductor opening in a first signal terminal of a terminal set supported on a second side of the frame; the distal end of the drain wire through the second conductor opening in the second signal terminal of the terminal set, and the distal end of the drain wire inserted through the third conductor opening in the ground plate of the terminal set. the ground plate has a horseshoe shape, and the ground plate provides ground terminals on opposite sides of the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal. and the method includes placing a distal end of the first conductor in contact with a first signal terminal, placing a distal end of the second conductor in contact with a second signal terminal, and placing the drain wire in contact with the ground plane.

The method may further include positioning the shield cover over the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal such that the shield cover is connected to the ground plane.

The method also includes welding the first conductor to the first signal terminal at the first conductor opening and welding the second conductor to the second signal terminal at the second conductor opening. and welding the drain wire to the ground plate at the third conductor opening.

In some embodiments, the method includes introducing a leaf spring on the connector housing into a block guide on the plug housing, the leaf spring being guided from the connector housing by the block guide. The leaf spring extends longitudinally further than the terminal set and helps prevent the terminal set from contacting the plug housing during connection of the connector housing to the plug housing. The connector housing is then connected to the plug housing by mating the leaf spring with the locking ledge on the plug housing.

The invention is illustrated by way of example but not limited to the accompanying drawings. Also, like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the figures.

1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a connector system. FIG. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the components of the connector assembly shown in FIG. 1; 2 is a front view, partially cut away, of the connector assembly of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a connector system. 5 is a perspective bottom view of the free end connector portion of the connector system shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connection of a free-end connector to a fixed-end connector with portions of each of the connector housing and plug housing removed to better show the connection; FIG. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the connection system during connection of the free end connector to the fixed end connector, with portions of each of the connector housing and plug housing removed to better show the connection; FIG. 3 is a diagram of a terminal set during connection of a free-end connector to a fixed-end connector; FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a fixed end connector. 10 is a diagram of the plug wafer of the embodiment of FIG. 9; FIG. 10 is a diagram of the ground lead frame of the embodiment of FIG. 9; FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the free end connector with a portion of the housing removed to better show the twinax cable connection. FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the free end connector shown in FIG. 11; 13 is a perspective view of the frame and terminal set of the free end connector shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a portion of the terminal set of FIG. 13; 3 is an alternative embodiment of a terminal set that may be used with certain embodiments. Figure 3 is a diagram of the Twinax cable connections to the frame and terminal set, with one of the Twinax cables partially cut away; 17 is another simplified perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 17 is a diagram of the twinax cable connection along line 17-17 of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of area 18 in FIG. 17. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of an electrically connected ground plate; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of prior art terminal connections and stub lengths; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a terminal connection and stub length.

The following detailed description describes exemplary embodiments and the disclosed features are not intended to be limited to the explicitly disclosed combinations. Accordingly, unless stated otherwise, the features disclosed herein may be combined to form further combinations that are not otherwise indicated herein for the sake of brevity.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2, the present disclosure is directed to a wire-to-board connector system 10, which may be configured with a free-end connector 200 that mates with a fixed-end connector 100. Free-end connector 200 can have a twinax cable 202 that extends vertically compared to a horizontal board, such as circuit board 12. As can be appreciated, the free end connector 200 can also have a horizontally extending cable 202. Of course, cable 202 can extend at any angle between vertical and horizontal, as desired.

System 10 may include a locking system, as shown in FIG. 3, to ensure that leaf spring 204 is held locked against retention shoulder 104. In one embodiment, the locking system includes a leaf spring 204 attached to the connector housing 210 of the free end connector 200. It further includes a retention shoulder or locking ledge 104 provided on the plug housing 102 of the fixed end connector 100. Leaf spring 204 is positioned on connector housing 210 to slide over locking ledge 104 when connector housing 210 is placed over plug housing 102 .

The illustrated locking system further includes a retention finger 206 attached to a translatable platform 208. Translatable platform 208 is configured to be slidable up and down to move retention fingers 206 up and down. Thus, when the connector housing 210 of the free end connector 200 is placed in position over the plug housing 102 of the fixed end connector 100, the leaf spring 204 slides down on the locking ledge 104. Next, sliding the translatable platform 208 downward causes the retention fingers 206 to slide downward, thereby locking the leaf spring 204 onto the locking ledge 104 on the plug housing 102.

When retaining fingers 206 slide downward into position, retaining fingers 206 prevent leaf spring 204 from disengaging from locking ledge 104 . Although other known latching systems may be used, the advantages of the illustrated system are that it requires limited additional space and that retaining fingers 206 are part of the translatable platform 208. This means that the translatable platform 208 is one that can be easily determined to be in place. Alternatively, the connector system can rely solely on the leaf spring 204 and the locking mechanism can be omitted.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-8, a guide system is shown that prevents damage to the terminals while connecting a free end connector to a fixed end connector. The illustrated guide system may be used in conjunction with the locking system described above, or may be separate from the locking system. As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the guide system utilizes a block guide 106 formed as part of the plug housing 102. As shown in FIGS. Block guides 106 are positioned on opposite sides of locking shelf 104 . Connector housing 210 is configured to receive block guide 106 within a space 212 on either side of leaf spring 104 . As best seen in FIG. 6, block guides 106 are on either side of each leaf spring 204 when connector housing 210 and plug housing 102 are connected. As shown, two locking ledges are provided on each side of the housing 102 such that the block guide 106 defines two channels on each side of the connector housing.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the guide system can be seen during connection of connector housing 210 and plug housing 102. 5 and 7, the terminal 214 extends longitudinally within the connector housing 210, the leaf spring 204 also extends longitudinally within the connector housing 210, and the leaf spring 204 extends longitudinally within the connector housing 210. 214 at the end of the row. Generally, a pair of leaf springs are provided, one on each side of the row of terminals 214, and thus at opposite ends of the free end connector. Leaf spring 204 extends further longitudinally than terminal 214 such that it is in sliding relationship with block guide 106 before terminal 214 can contact plug housing 102 . That is, leaf spring 204 and block guide 106 cooperate to prevent terminal 214 from contacting plug housing 102 while connecting connector housing 210 to plug housing 102 . As can be better understood from FIG. 8, the relative alignment and lengths of the terminals 214, leaf springs 204, and block guides 106 are particularly aligned while connecting the fixed end connector with the free end connector. During the connection operation starting at an angle, the terminal 214 is prevented from impacting or touching the plug housing 102. As shown in FIG. 8, even if the connector housing 210 is introduced at an angle of plus or minus 70 degrees, the terminals will not be able to connect to the plug housing 102 due to the relative lengths and relative positions of the leaf spring 204 and the block guide 106. Contact is avoided.

Referring now to FIGS. 9, 10A, and 10B, further details of fixed end connector 100 can be seen. The illustrated fixed end connector 100 includes a plug housing 102 that can be attached to a circuit board with a mounting stem 108. A plurality of plug wafers 110 are provided within the interior area of the plug housing 102 . Multiple plug wafers 110 may be bonded together and may also be bonded through a hole and post mechanism as shown. However, other known mechanisms may also be used to bond the wafers together. Terminals consisting of signal leads 112 and ground lead frames 114 are attached to or inserted into the plug wafer 110 . The terminal can include a tail 116 (PCB (plug circuit board) contact end) configured to connect to a circuit board; in one example configuration, tail 116 can be soldered to the circuit board. . As best seen in FIG. 10B, the ground lead frame 114 has a horseshoe shape with a pair of signal leads 112 positioned within the ground lead frame 114 such that there is a ground lead on either side of the signal lead. obtain. As will be appreciated from the description below, the ground lead frame 114 can make electrical contact with the ground terminal within the free end connector 200. The signal lead 112 can also contact a signal terminal within the free end connector 200.

As can be seen from FIG. 10B and better seen from FIG. It can have a configuration. Essentially, the lead has a straight beam 118 terminating in a generally right-angled tail 116 at one end and an angled tip 122 at the other end. Straight beam 118 has a single cantilever forming a bend 120 such that a second end 122 extends at an angle from straight beam 118 . For the ground lead frame 114, the second end 122 can extend across the ground lead frame connecting each horseshoe-shaped lead section, as shown in FIG. 10B.

Additionally, the fixed end connector can include a grounding common. For example, a large scissor-shaped strap 124 can extend across each horseshoe-shaped lead section to provide a grounding common, and in certain embodiments, can provide shielding. In embodiments where the ground lead frame is insert-molded into the wafer, the edges of the large scissor-shaped strap 124 can be exposed, allowing for greater distance between the large scissor-shaped strap 124 and the signal terminals. Thus, the increased spacing between the large scissor-shaped strap 124 and the signal terminal potentially reduces impedance effects. Fixed end connectors can also include additional shielding to help provide superior electrical performance.

The free end connector will now be further described with reference to FIGS. 11-18. As can be seen, the free end connector connects the conductive wires in the twinax cable 202 (first medium) to the terminal set 216 in the free end connector (second medium). One problem in connecting conductive wires is managing the transition between the conductor and the terminal. Although conductive wires, free-end connectors, and fixed-end connectors have worked well in the prior art, there is typically a significant impedance change at the transition. The illustrated embodiment can significantly reduce any spikes or dips, thus helping to improve performance. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the terminal set 216 is configured to terminate the conductor of the twinax cable 202 at the terminal set 216. The terminal set 216 is also configured to provide a high performance channel from the conductors of the cable to the corresponding leads 112, 114 (see FIG. 9) provided by an appropriately configured fixed end connector 100. , these leads 112, 114 may be referred to as a second set of terminals. In one embodiment, the illustrated terminal set provides a ground-signal-signal-ground configuration supported by a frame 218 formed of an insulating material.

As can be seen in FIG. 12, frame 218 is positioned within connector housing 210. As best seen in FIGS. 13, 16, 17, and 18, the frame 218 has a first side 220 facing the Twinax cable 202 and a second side opposite the first side 220. 222. Frame 218 includes a plurality of frame openings 224 extending from a first side 220 to a second side 222.

Referring to FIG. 13, terminal set 216 is supported on second side 222 of frame 218. Terminal set 216 includes a first signal terminal 246, a second signal terminal 247, and a ground plate 248. As can be seen from FIG. 14, the ground plate 248 has a horseshoe shape and provides ground terminals on both sides of the first signal terminal 246 and the second signal terminal 247. Furthermore, the ground plate 248 can have a conductor opening 258, and the first signal terminal 246 and the second signal terminal 247 can have a conductor opening 256 and a conductor opening 257, respectively. Conductor openings 256, 257, and 258 are aligned with frame opening 224 when terminal set 216 is supported on frame 218. The conductor opening is preferably sized such that the conductor can be inserted into the conductor opening without having a friction/interference fit.

As can be further understood from FIGS. 14 and 21, each terminal 246, 247, and 248 can have a flat configuration, except for a respective tip 266, 267, and 268. Essentially, each terminal 246, 247, and 248 (generally labeled terminal 280 in FIG. 21) has a first end 253, a second end 254, and a single cantilever. A second end 254 extends at an angle from the straight beam 252 . Furthermore, the first end portion 253 is aligned with the linear beam portion 252 . In such embodiments, when the plug housing and the connector housing are connected, the leads 130 of the fixed end connector contact the associated terminals 280 of the free end connector at contact points 282 such that the main stub length 284 and the secondary stub length 286 are approximately equal in length. This can be seen more clearly when comparing FIGS. 20 and 21. FIG. 20 shows two cantilevers or bends 272 in order for the terminal 270 to contact the lead 126 with only a single bend 128 (not including any bends at the PCB contact end) at point 275. and 274. As mentioned above, the prior art has a primary stub length 276 that is significantly longer than a secondary stub length 278.

In comparison, FIG. 21 shows contact between terminal 280 and lead 130, where terminal 280 and lead 130 each have the flat configuration described above, but without creating contact between them. Only one bend or cantilever is involved. (As will be appreciated, the terminal 280 can be a ground terminal or a signal terminal, and the lead 130 can be a ground lead or a signal lead.) This configuration allows the primary stub length 284 and the secondary stub length 286 A contact point 282 is realized having substantially equal lengths. A comparison with FIG. 20 also reveals that in the embodiment of FIG. 21, the total stub length (primary stub length + secondary stub length) is smaller than that in the prior art. The stub creates a reflection of the E&M transmission that creates interference within the terminal/lead system. In order to minimize such interference, the stub length may be minimized as shown in FIG. Thus, the total stub length can be minimized and any individual stub can be of a given length substantially shorter than the longest stub length of prior art contact systems while still providing the desired wipe. can be kept below.

Returning now to FIG. 14, further features of the signal terminal can be seen. Each of the illustrated signal terminals 246, 247 can include one or more angled wedges 260 partially embedded in the frame 218. This helps to secure the signal terminals 246, 247 in place while providing the desired coupling between the two signal terminals. This can be used to provide differential coupling similar to that provided between the two signal conductors of a twinax cable.

As can be seen from FIG. 13, a horseshoe-shaped ground plate 248 is supported by the frame 218 and is configured to be connected to the distal end 238 of the drain wire 228. The illustrated embodiment uses multiple ground plates connected together to provide a ground common. However, in some embodiments, multiple ground planes can be electrically isolated from each other. In further embodiments, a plurality of ground plates 248 may be provided, each ground plate having a horseshoe terminal, and the plurality of ground plates may be connected together by a network (schematically shown in FIG. 19). ). The network can be configured as desired and can range from a simple short circuit to a passive circuit 249 (which can be one or more components such as capacitors, resistors, etc.) in the desired configuration. Active circuits may also be provided, but are generally not as desirable due to cost considerations.

Additionally, although the terminal set shown in FIG. 14 illustrates a ground-signal-signal-ground configuration, in some embodiments additional terminals may be placed between adjacent ground plates 248. can. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, an additional ground terminal 250 can be placed between the ground plates 248. This embodiment increases the electrical isolation of a pair of signal terminals 246, 247 from each adjacent pair of signal terminals.

13, 16, 16A, 17, and 18, each twinax cable 202 generally includes a first signal conductor 226, a second signal conductor 227, and a drain Includes wire 228. Furthermore, an insulating material 230 surrounds the signal conductors 226, 227, and the twinax cable 202 has an outer cover 232. First signal conductor 226, second signal conductor 227, and drain wire 228 each have respective exposed distal ends 236, 237, and 238 that extend from the insulating material and outer cover. , protrudes through frame opening 224.

Conductors from the twinax cable (signal conductors 226, 227 and drain wire 228) protrude through opening 224. As best seen in FIG. 18, the aperture 224 may be tapered and have a beveled edge 224a so that the distal ends of the conductor and drain wires are in the aperture. 224 to facilitate movement from the first side of the frame to the second side of the frame. Similarly, the ground and signal terminal openings 238, 256, 257 can be partially tapered by including an insertion edge, such as insertion edge 256a illustrated in FIG. 18.

As described above, the ground plate 248 and the first and second signal terminals 246 and 247 have conductor openings that align with the tapered openings when the terminal set is on the frame. Can be done. Thus, as seen in FIG. 13, the distal end 238 of the drain wire 228 extends through the frame opening 224 and then through the conductor opening 258. Similarly, distal ends 236, 237 of first conductor 226 and second conductor 227 extend through frame opening 224 and then through conductor openings 256, 257. The distal ends can be connected to their respective corresponding terminals via welding or other known attachment techniques, including soldering and conductive adhesives.

As can be seen from FIG. 16A, the apertures in the frame 218 can be arranged in a triangular pattern with both signal apertures placed side by side equidistant from the intended mating surface; The ground aperture is located between and above the signal apertures. This triplet configuration ensures that the coupling existing in the cable between the signal conductor and the drain wire is maintained through the terminations to terminals 246, 247, 248. As a result, the termination will perform well from a signal performance standpoint, even though there may be a 90 degree change in direction between the conductor and the terminal in the cable.

As can be seen from FIG. 13, a shielding cover 240 can be provided to improve the electrical performance of the system. In one embodiment, the shield cover 240 can include a retention tab 242 that engages a retention aperture 244 in a ground terminal plate 248, and thus can be installed in place with a friction/interference fit. Alternatively, shield cover 240 can be attached by a soldering or welding operation, or by using a conductive adhesive. The illustrated shield cover has adjustment openings 245 aligned with the distal ends 236, 237 of the signal conductors 226, 227, respectively, to help improve the electrical performance of the system.

The connector assembly may be manufactured by a method in which the twinax cable is coated to expose the distal end of the first conductor, the distal end of the second conductor, and the distal end of the drain wire. . Each distal end is then inserted into the connector housing through a different frame opening defined in the disposable frame. As shown, the frame openings are tapered to facilitate movement of each distal end from the first side of the frame to the second side of the frame while each distal end is inserted. It has become. Each distal end is then inserted into a different conductor opening in a terminal set supported on the opposite side of the frame from the twinax cable. Each conductor opening is aligned in a one-to-one correspondence with one of the frame openings. Thus, the first conductor extends through the first conductor opening in the first signal terminal of the terminal set, and the distal end of the second conductor extends within the second signal terminal of the terminal set. and the distal end of the drain wire extends through a third conductor opening in the ground plate of the terminal set. The ground plate has a horseshoe shape as described above. The distal ends are placed in electrical contact with their associated terminals, as described above. Thus, the first conductor contacts the first signal terminal, the second conductor contacts the second signal terminal, and the drain wire contacts the ground plane. The method may further include positioning the shield cover over the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal such that the shield cover is connected to the ground plane.

The method also includes welding the first conductor to the first signal terminal at the first conductor opening and welding the second conductor to the second signal terminal at the second conductor opening. and welding the drain wire to the ground plate at the third conductor opening.

In some embodiments, the method includes introducing a leaf spring into a block guide on the plug housing while connecting the free end connector to the fixed end connector. The leaf spring extends longitudinally further away from the terminal set of the connector housing such that the leaf spring is guided by the block guide to prevent the terminal set from contacting the plug housing. The connector housing is then connected to the plug housing by mating the leaf spring with the locking ledge on the plug housing.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the above disclosure provides a wire-to-board system that is provided in a compact configuration and can support high data rates.

The disclosure provided herein describes features in terms of preferred and exemplary embodiments thereof. Modifications and variations within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto will occur to those skilled in the art upon reviewing this disclosure.

Claims (16)

A connector assembly comprising a free end connector, the free end connector comprising:
a connector housing that supports the cable;
a frame having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and including a plurality of frame openings extending from the first side to the second side;
a terminal set supported on the second side of the frame and including a first signal terminal, a second signal terminal, and a ground plate;
the ground plate has a horseshoe shape and provides ground terminals on both sides of the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal;
a first conductor of the cable extends into a first frame opening of the plurality of frame openings and is electrically connected to the first signal terminal;
a second conductor of the cable extends into a second frame opening of the plurality of frame openings and is electrically connected to the second signal terminal;
A connector assembly wherein a drain wire of the cable extends into a third frame opening of the plurality of frame openings and is electrically connected to the ground plate. 2. The plurality of frame openings are tapered from a first side of the frame to a second side of the frame by a chamfered edge of the first side of the frame. connector assembly. 3. The connector assembly of claim 2, wherein the plurality of frame openings further taper from a first side to a second side of the frame by an insertion edge. the first signal terminal includes a first conductor opening aligned with the first frame opening;
the first conductor is electrically connected to the first signal terminal at the first conductor opening;
the second signal terminal includes a second conductor opening aligned with the second frame opening;
the second conductor is electrically connected to the second signal terminal at the second conductor opening;
the ground plate includes a ground conductor aperture aligned with the third frame aperture;
The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the drain wire is electrically connected to the ground plate at the ground conductor opening. The connector assembly of claim 1, wherein the free end connector further includes a shield cover disposed over the first signal terminal and second signal terminal and connected to the ground plate. the shield cover has a first adjustment aperture aligned with a first conductor aperture in the first signal terminal and a second conductor aperture in the second signal terminal; 6. The connector assembly of claim 5, including a second adjustment opening. The free end connector is
a second set of terminals supported on a second side of the frame;
6. The connector assembly of claim 5, further comprising a second shield cover disposed over the signal terminals of the second set of terminals and connected to a ground plate of the second set of terminals. 8. The connector assembly of claim 7, wherein the shield cover and second shield cover are electrically isolated. 8. The connector assembly of claim 7, wherein the shield cover and second shield cover are electrically connected to provide a ground common. 8. The connector assembly of claim 7, wherein the shield cover and the second shield cover are electrically connected by a passive circuit network to provide a ground common. The connector of claim 1, further comprising a fixed end connector including a plug housing, the connector housing and the plug housing being coupled by interaction of a leaf spring on the connector housing and a locking ledge on the plug housing. assembly. the plug housing includes a pair of block guides;
The leaf spring moves the terminal set from the connector housing such that the leaf spring is guided by the block guide and prevents the terminal set from contacting the plug housing during connection of the connector housing to the plug housing. 12. The connector assembly of claim 11, wherein the connector assembly extends longitudinally further than the connector assembly. further comprising a fixed end connector, the fixed end connector comprising:
a plug wafer disposed within the plug housing;
a ground lead frame carried on the plug wafer and having a horseshoe shape and having a ground lead;
2. The connector assembly of claim 1, including a pair of signal leads disposed within the ground lead frame and flanked by the ground lead. a first signal terminal of the free end connector includes a single bend;
14. The connector assembly of claim 13, wherein a single signal lead of the pair of signal leads of the fixed end connector includes a single bend. a connector housing that supports the cable;
a frame having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and including a plurality of frame openings extending from the first side to the second side;
a terminal set supported on the second side of the frame and including a first signal terminal, a second signal terminal, and a ground plate;
the ground plate has a horseshoe shape and provides ground terminals on both sides of the first signal terminal and the second signal terminal;
a first conductor of the cable extends into a first frame opening of the plurality of frame openings and is electrically connected to the first signal terminal;
A free end connector, wherein a second conductor of the cable extends into a second frame opening of the plurality of frame openings and is electrically connected to the second signal terminal. 16. The free end connector of claim 15 , wherein the cable drain wire extends into a third frame opening of the plurality of frame openings and is electrically connected to the ground plate.

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